Loading...
-
$$$$ | Downtown |
This dining room in Hotel Monaco is filled with fresh flowers and windows that let in natural light, making the space cheerful and bright. The focus is on true, multilayered Italian cuisine, such as grilled flatbread topped with cheese, prosciutto, truffle oil, and balsamic vinegar; or risotto made with an ever-changing and ever-pleasing variety of cheeses and fresh produce. The breads are baked in-house. The superior service and accommodating staff make for a pleasant dining experience. The large, roomy bar is available for dining, too.
909 17th St., Denver, Colorado, 80202, USA
Known For
- House-baked breads
- Roomy bar
- Elegant brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
-
$$$$ | South Denver |
With a sister restaurant in Japan (and another, Izakaya Den, next door) and owners who import sushi-grade seafood to the United States, it's easy to see why this chic sushi bar is the one Denverites count on to provide the best quality available. The sushi chefs here can meet your every request, and the cooked dishes are just as well prepared—don't miss the steamed fish baskets. Check out the tony crowd and feast your eyes on the luxurious fabrics and well-designed furniture. There's almost always a wait to get in, and parking can be a hassle, but for serious sushi-heads this is the place to be. Plan far in advance to sit at the Chef's Table for an even more elevated experience and special fresh-fish selections that are unavailable on the regular menu.
1487 S. Pearl St., Denver, Colorado, 80210, USA
Known For
- Inviting patio
- Impeccable sushi
- Extensive sake list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch, Reservations required
-
$$$$ | LoDo | Modern American
Owner Gene Tang seems to be one of the hardest-working men in the restaurant business, judging by the personal attention he gives the tables in his two-story place. Walking past the first-floor bar gives diners the feeling of being someplace important, as locals hang out and take in the scene. Once upstairs, though, it's all business, with efficient servers bringing a succession of world-beat fare that's highly structural and eminently flavorful. Slow-cooked Colorado lamb shares space on the menu comfortably with duck prepared three ways, and trendy ingredients complement textbook preparations. The menu includes a few vegetarian options, meat lovers have several impressively prepared steaks from which to choose, and the wine list is a wonder—affordable and daring.
1515 Market St., Denver, Colorado, 80202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Mon., Tues., Reservations essential
-
$ | Downtown | Pizza
This two-story dive, with a standing counter as well as a sit-down dining area upstairs crammed with ramshackle chairs and tables in various stages of disrepair, is the closest Denver gets to a New York slice. Fold each triangle in half, tilt it to let it drip, and inhale. Sweet- and spicy-sauced spaghetti with a side of meatballs offers an alternative for those who don't want pizza.
1550 California St., Denver, Colorado, 80202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations not accepted
-
$$ | Capitol Hill | British
A gastropub that didn't make it the first time around in Cherry Creek, Argyll is definitely better in its second incarnation uptown, with the ideal roomy lounge space that sprawls beyond an inviting bar. The menu, created by beloved local chef John Broening, features tender-inside, crisp-outside fish and steak-fry-style chips so good some people plan their week around them. The menu is expectedly British and a tad on the heavier side—bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, green curry—but there are salads and surprises, such as "spot of tea," a broth with ramen noodles and gooey egg. The lamb burger is a marvel of moistness and flavor, complemented by a yogurt-cucumber relish. Not surprisingly, the beer roster is brilliant and nicely priced; same goes for the whiskeys. Brunch is not to be taken lightly; the corned beef hash is the dish to have.
1035 E. 17th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80218, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
-
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
-
$$ | South Denver | Mexican
Its location out of the tourist loop, southeast of downtown, doesn't stop the crowds (mostly tourists) from lining up early for this restaurant. The early Western, Naugahyde decor and fantastic jukebox set up an upbeat mood for killer margaritas and some of the best burritos and green chile in town.
457 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado, 80209, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
-
$$ | Five Points | American
Years before Coors Field moved in, Breckenridge Brewery set up shop with its top-notch brews and some snacks to go with. It has stayed the course, renaming this location and now offering about three-dozen made-in-Colorado microbrews, as well as a solid roster of big, juicy burgers (which can be made with bison, too), hefty sandwiches (the pulled pork is nice and spicy) and other pub grub befitting a spacious, noisy, TV-filled sports bar.
2220 Blake St., Denver, Colorado, 80205, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
-
$$ | Downtown |
This is a cozy, casual spot for live jazz and blues six nights a week downtown. The location, in the historic Baur's Building, offers a classy setting and exceptional acoustics as well as updated takes on classic comfort food before and during shows. DownBeat magazine has named it one of the 150 best jazz clubs in the world.
1512 Curtis St., Denver, Colorado, 80203, USA
Known For
- Extensive cocktail roster
- Excellent mac and cheese
- All ages until 10:30 pm
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
-
$$ | Downtown | American
If it's martinis and jazz you're after, come to this casually elegant space (larger and snazzier after a move to the historic Baur's Building), which features comfort foods with a twist and small plates. Live music most nights makes this a laid-back spot. The cocktail roster, printed inside old jazz albums, is one of the most intricate around, and the Sunday jazz brunch swings.
1512 Curtis St., Denver, Colorado, 80203, USA
Known For
- Extensive cocktail roster
- Mac-and-cheese
- Sunday jazz brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
-
$ | Capitol Hill | Diner
This jumping Capitol Hill spot is a breakfast and lunch hangout. Weekend brunch draws crowds of bicyclists and newspaper readers in search of the croissant French toast, "health nut" pancakes, and colossal omelets. Even bigger are the scrumptious one-dish skillets; a popular one tops grilled pork chops with home fries, chili, cheddar, and eggs. They're open weekdays at 6 am and weekends at 7 am; closed each day at 2 pm.
1400 E. 18th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80218, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations not accepted
-
-
$$ | South Denver | Chinese
Papier-mâché lions greet you at the entrance of this sleek Szechuan stunner, which is probably the best Chinese restaurant within a 500-mile radius. Seafood is the specialty. Try the steamed sea bass in ginger or the spicy, fried Dungeness crab, or spring for the Peking duck. The elegantly appointed dining room, filled with gleaming, lacquered furniture, is spacious and usually filled with families and large groups.
431 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado, 80209, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
-
$ | North Denver | Mexican
The friendly family that runs this small, pepper-decorated place moved to Denver from New Mexico, and they brought their love of chilies with them. The green chili is fire-breathing spicy, and the red is a smoky, complex brew. The best item, though, is the plate of chicken or beef vaquero tacos, slathered with a sticky-sweet barbecue sauce and served on buttery tortillas. Get it with a bowl of freshly roasted corn off the cob. Lunch is always packed, so arrive early, and don't be afraid to tackle a gigantic breakfast burrito, either. There's a mean margarita and there are cervesas, too.
2524 Federal Blvd., Denver, Colorado, 80211, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
-
$ | West Denver | Chinese
Like a Chinese eatery in New York or San Francisco, King's Land does dim sum to perfection, serving it daily during the week for lunch and during their crazy, jam-packed weekends. Choose from dozens of dumplings, buns, and steamed dishes that are wheeled to you on carts, or go with the regular menu, also available at night, which includes delectable duck and seafood specialties. The dining room is huge and always noisy, and the staff doesn't speak much English, so just close your eyes and point. Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more.
2200 W. Alameda Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80223, USA
-
$$ | Central Denver | French
A real find, this homey bistro serves excellent mussel dishes and provincial French specialties, including beef bourguignon (braised in red wine and garnished with mushrooms and onions), salmon en croûte (wrapped in pastry and baked), and steak au poivre. You can depend on Le Central for fabulous food, great service, and a surprisingly low tab. Weekend brunch is a big favorite.
112 E. 8th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80203, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
-
$$ | Central Denver | Indian
The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet ($11.99), with dozens of well-prepared Indian dishes, is the big draw for Denverites at this casually elegant restaurant between downtown and Cherry Creek. Little India's menu has nearly 100 items, but it specializes in curries, vindaloos, and biryanis, all of which are expertly spiced. Be sure to try one of the specialty naans (tandoori-baked flat bread). The sweet mango lassi, a yogurt drink, is delightfully rich.
330 E. 6th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80202, USA
-
-
$$$ | Cherry Creek North | Chinese
Black dominates the glossy interior of the swank Ollie's, which has a large outdoor patio and exceptionally well-crafted Chinese food. The whole steamed sea bass in black-bean sauce is one of the menu's highlights, along with mu shu pork and crispy duck. Lunch specials make this a popular midday spot, and the wine list is unusually well chosen for a Chinese restaurant. Reservations are taken for parties of six or more.
2364 E. 3rd Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80206, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
-
$$ | West Denver |
Denver's best Vietnamese restaurant is always crowded with folks trying to get at their crispy egg rolls, shrimp-filled spring rolls, and cheap but hefty noodle bowls. With nearly 200 dishes on the menu—priced and portioned for sharing—this vast eatery has everything Vietnamese covered, including 30-some vegetarian dishes and 10 with succulent frogs' legs. It's best to go at off times to ensure a seat. Reservations are accepted for parties of six or more.
630 S. Federal Blvd., Denver, Colorado, 80219, USA
Known For
- Seafood dishes
- Exhaustive menu of Vietnamese classics
- Vietnamese iced coffee
-
$$$ | Capitol Hill | Asian
A complete overhaul of the menu transformed the former Parallel Seventeen into a bistro that serves Asian-inspired dishes with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, and includes a lengthy roster of small plates. The atmosphere remains casually chic, and at night, the cozy patio with its twinkly lights beckons with a happy hour devoted to fun cocktails. The popular weekend brunch also features small plates–-try the beignets with housemade apple butter–-as does lunch, where the duck confit tacos are a must.
1600 E. 17th Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80218, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
-
$$ | | Modern American
The Denver Art Museum's restaurant, which serves lunch Tuesday through Sunday and dinner only on Fridays, is the product of local culinary artist chef Kevin Taylor. He fills the menu with colorful dishes like his signature soft-egg ravioli with black truffle butter and shiitake tamales. The prix-fixe menu is popular with local theatergoers. There's also a coffee shop and wine bar, Mad Beans and Wine Cafe, on the second floor of the museum, as well as Mad Greens Inspired Eats, a sandwich and salad spot on Martin Plaza across from the museum's main entrance, with outdoor tables on the plaza between the museum and the Denver Public Library.
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
-
$ | Highland |
This casual pizzeria is a franchised offshoot of the original in Boulder. They had set out to make inexpensive pizza the way it was done in Italy 150 years ago: in under two minutes in a blistering-hot oven, with a light, thin, bubbly crust, and sparingly topped with fresh ingredients. The unexpected ingredients are the ones that impress—charred broccolini, crème fraîche with corn, ricotta with Calabrian chilies. A miniature cup of butterscotch pudding is the perfect amount of dessert.
3484 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, Colorado, 80211, USA
Known For
- Sausage and broccolini pizza and other unique ingredients
- Kid-friendly setup
- Butterscotch pudding for dessert
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted